Thursday, May 11, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Expresses Concerns About Plan to Reroute Rail Traffic
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt is concerned plans to increase rail traffic through Sikeston and over Highway 60 would negatively impact residents’ and motorists’ safety. In a letter to the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) Blunt called for balance as the board considers Union Pacific Railroad’s request to increase rail traffic in the area and encouraged the board to consider alternatives.
“Sikeston residents have every reason to be concerned about this proposal,” Blunt said. “I believe we can find a solution that balances Union Pacific’s desire to expand with the need to ensure residents’ and motorists’ safety.”
Union Pacific filed a request with the STB for approval to exchange a section of track that Union Pacific owns in Colorado for the Burlington Northern Railroad line that runs from Rockview to Sikeston. Union Pacific currently operates on a line between Rockview and Dexter and a line between Dexter and Sikeston. The acquisition of the track from Rockview and Sikeston would result in Union Pacific diverting nearly half or more of their southbound traffic along the route, through the city of Sikeston and over Highway 60. This would allow Union Pacific’s north and south bound traffic to use the area as a “double track” or an area to pass one another.
Blunt recently met with Sikeston city officials regarding the proposal and toured the Sikeston railroad locations. His primary concern regarding the request is its impact on the community and on highway safety. Currently, only about seven trains travel through Sikeston each day. Approval of Union Pacific’s request would increase traffic by ten or more trains a day. Increased rail traffic increases safety hazards for motorists on Highway 60 because no grade separation currently exists at the crossing. The Missouri Department of Transportation estimates adding grade separation could take up to two years. The increased rail traffic would also separate healthcare and first responders from a school, residential care center and sheltered workshop each time a train passes through the community.
Blunt asked the STB to balance the need for a modern transportation infrastructure with the safety of the people of southeast Missouri and travelers on Highway 60. He also asked them to look again at the alternative of expanding or double tracking along the northern line between Rockview and Dexter.
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View copy of Gov. Blunt's letter to the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB)